Drummer's Guide to Big Band: Drumset Book & Online Video/Audio

Williams constructs this resource around the actual job of the big band drummer, not an idealized version of it. The systematic breakdown of charts, grooves, song forms, and figures gives students a language for solving problems they'll encounter in real rehearsals and performances. The embedded video and audio examples transform a printed guide into an interactive learning tool that lets drummers hear what they're reading.

Stepping into a big band drum chair is exhilarating and demanding; you're simultaneously a timekeeper, a colorist, and a conversation partner with the rhythm section and band. This book captures that dual nature, grounding you in the practical language and patterns while building the listening skills that keep you present and responsive in real time.

Intermediate to advanced drummers ready for the sophisticated demands of big band playing, whether in a school ensemble, community big band, or jazz studies program. This book serves drummers who understand basic swing feel and independence but need guidance on the specific vocabulary, forms, and interactive responsibilities that define the role.

• Study the song form framework before focusing on individual groove patterns; knowing where you are in the chart eliminates surprises during ensemble performance.
• Listen actively to the bass player and section leaders while practicing the audio examples; big band drumming is as much about responsive listening as technical execution.
• Work through the setups and figures on a practice pad first to isolate hand technique and timing before transferring to the full kit.
• Watch the video demonstrations at tempo and then below tempo to distinguish between the actual mechanics and the effect created by speed.

Use this as the core curriculum text for drummers preparing to join your big band, assigning chapters that correspond to the specific charts and forms you're rehearsing. Drummers already in the ensemble can use targeted sections to troubleshoot particular grooves or song forms during sectional or private study time.

• reading and interpreting big band drum charts with standard notation and shorthand
• playing swing grooves across diverse tempos and song forms
• understanding big band section structures and form changes
• coordinating with bass player and rhythm section in ensemble contexts
• executing setups and figures that support band phrasing and transitions
• listening responsively to leaders and ensemble cues